How to Fix Mfc90.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

If installing a security update doesn't fix the error, reinstall the program that uses the file

Mfc90.dll errors are caused by situations that lead to the removal or corruption of the mfc90 DLL file.

In some cases, mfc90.dll errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.

Mfc90.dll Errors

mfc90 dll error

There are several ways mfc90.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common ways it might be presented:

  • Mfc90.dll Not Found
  • This application failed to start because mfc90.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
  • Cannot find [PATH]\mfc90.dll
  • This program can't start because mfc90.dll is missing from your computer.
  • The file mfc90.dll is missing.
  • Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: mfc90.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.

These error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs, or when Windows starts or shuts down.

The mfc90.dll error message could apply to any program or system that might utilize the file on any of Microsoft's operating systems, including Windows 11, Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP, and Windows 2000.

How to Fix Mfc90.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're given below to try the more likely fixes first.

Do not download mfc90.dll from a "DLL download" website. There are many reasons why downloading a DLL file like that is a bad idea. If you need a copy of this file, it's best to obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

  1. Download the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update and run it. This will replace/restore the mfc90.dll with the most recent copy provided by Microsoft.

    You're given a few download options from Microsoft for this update, based on the version of Windows you have installed: x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit).

    If you need the 32-bit version, download vcredist_x86.exe. The 64-bit version is called vcredist_x64.exe. Most people can ignore the download option with "ia" in the name, since it's only relevant for Itanium CPUs normally used only on server hardware.

    It's been reported by some users that select programs require the 32-bit installation of the Redistributable Package even though you're running a 64-bit version of Windows. Keep that in mind if the installation doesn't fix the mfc90.dll problem.

  2. Restore mfc90.dll from the Recycle Bin. The easiest possible cause of a "missing" mfc90.dll file is that you've mistakenly deleted it. 

    If you suspect this, but you've already emptied the Recycle Bin, you may be able to recover the file with a free file recovery tool.

    Recovering a deleted copy of mfc90.dll is smart only if you're confident you've deleted the file yourself and that it was working properly before you did that.

  3. Run the sfc /scannow System File Checker command to replace a missing or corrupt copy of the mfc90.dll file. If this DLL file is provided by Microsoft, the System File Checker tool should restore it.

  4. Run a virus/malware scan of your entire system. Some mfc90.dll errors could be related to a virus or other malware infection on your computer that has damaged the DLL file. It's even possible that the error you're seeing is related to a hostile program that's masquerading as the file.

  5. Use System Restore to undo recent system changes. If you suspect that the mfc90.dll error was caused by a change made to an important file or configuration, System Restore could solve the problem.

  6. Reinstall the program that's producing the mfc90.dll error. If one of these errors occurs when you use a particular program, reinstalling that program might help.

  7. Test your memory and then test your hard drive. We've left the majority of hardware troubleshooting to the last step, but your computer's memory and hard drive are easy to test and are the most likely components that might cause mfc90.dll errors as they fail.

    If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.

  8. Repair your installation of Windows. If the individual troubleshooting advice above is unsuccessful, performing a startup repair or repair installation should restore all Windows DLL files to their working versions.

  9. Perform a clean installation of Windows. This will erase everything from the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. If none of the steps above correct the mfc90.dll error, this should be your next course of action.

    All the information on your hard drive will be erased during this step. Make sure you've made the best attempt possible to fix the error using a troubleshooting step prior to this one.

  10. Troubleshoot for a hardware problem if any mfc90.dll errors persist. After a clean install of Windows, your DLL problem can only be hardware related.

Need More Help?

If you don't think fixing this problem yourself is working out too well, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more.

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